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Are you longing for the ultimate tropical paradise that combines beautiful beaches with rich cultural experiences? Somewhere with incredible food and a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget, plus endless options for both water-based activities and indulgent pampering sessions? Fiji and Bali both offer visitors all of these and much more, so it can be tricky to choose between the two. We’ve broken down the best bits of both destinations to help you decide which one is right for you:
Tropical island in Fiji with sandy beach and pristine water
With more than 300 islands to choose from, Fiji boasts an impressive array of palm tree-fringed sandy shores, each with its own unique charm. From the powdery white sand beaches of the remote Yasawa Islands to the easily accessible Natadola Beach on the Coral Coast, there is something to suit every traveller. The warm, inviting water is crystal-clear and ideal for swimming, snorkelling and a myriad of other water-based activities.
Surfing at Balangan beach
Bali has been luring beach lovers to its shores for decades, and there are plenty of captivating stretches of coastline to choose from, including vibrant Canggu and tranquil Jimbaran Bay. You can perfect your surfing skills at a world-class surf break like Padang Padang or Balangan beach, watch the sunset from a beach bar in Seminyak, or look for dolphins while enjoying an early-morning walk along Lovina Bay.
The food scene in Fiji is a blend of flavours and cultural influences that reflect its rich history and diverse population. Dishes like Kokoda, a marinated salad of fresh fish, lime and coconut, and palusami, made from taro leaves and coconut cream, are an essential part of any Fijian holiday experience. Local street food is a showcase of local and international culinary influences – favourites include fried cassava and roti parcels filled with steaming, fragrant curry. Many resorts in Fiji offer a variety of dining options, from poolside sushi and burgers to high-end, fine dining restaurants that celebrate its wealth of fresh produce and seafood.
Bali‘s vibrant and diverse food scene caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences, with dining options that include traditional Balinese fare like nasi goreng and rendang served at local eateries and fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants. Balinese cuisine is all about fresh, tropical ingredients, with a strong emphasis on health and wellness. The bustle of Ubud Market is a great place to start your culinary adventure.
Both destinations offer diverse accommodation options that cater to every preference. Although it doesn’t offer much choice for budget travellers, Fiji does have a wide array of island and mainland resorts that specialise in barefoot luxury. Treat yourself to an overwater bungalow at a luxurious, adults-only island resort, or take your entire clan and make the most of family-friendly facilities like water slides and kids’ clubs.
Bali is renowned for its luxurious private villas, many of which come with private pools and personalised services like private chefs and concierge services. There is also a vibrant backpacking scene, with affordable hostels and guesthouses dotted throughout Bali that are hugely popular among budget travellers. You can also choose from a wide selection of retreat experiences, ranging from meditation and yoga classes to cooking schools and surf camps.
Nusa Penida, Indonesia
How you spend your time in Bali will depend on your individual tastes. Adventure lovers can hike to the summit of Mount Batur to watch the sunrise or fill their days with surf lessons, river rafting or tubing. You could even rent a jet-ski and explore hidden bays and coves, or take a day trip the spectacular offshore island of Nusa Penida. If you prefer a more sedate pace, you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Ubud’s lush rice terraces, visit ancient temples like Uluwatu and Tanah Lot, go chasing waterfalls or laze in a hammock on a secluded beach.
Snorkelling in Fiji
Fiji’s stunning natural beauty is the inspiration for many of its most popular activities, from snorkelling and scuba diving among vivid coral formations to zip-lining through tropical rainforest. Take a day trip to Fiji’s first National Park – the unique wildlife and geology of Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park is a haven for photographers, hikers and naturalists. A guided visit to a local village is a great day trip option if you want to experience authentic Fijian culture while supporting local communities. Treat yourself to a luxury spa treatment, go paddle boarding at sunrise or spend the day at a floating pontoon, feasting on wood-fired pizzas while surrounded by an endless expanse of turquoise water.
Fiji may not offer the bustling nightlife scenes of destinations like Bali, but it does have a unique blend of island charm and lively entertainment. Many resorts and hotels host evening entertainment programmes: these cultural shows showcase traditional music and dance performances and are a fun way for you to immerse yourself in the Fijian culture for a few happy hours. Head to Suva, Nadi or Denerau if you’re looking for bars, clubs and restaurants that offer live music and a dance floor – the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, perfect if you want to unwind and enjoy a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Bali is something of a hotspot if you’re seeking an upbeat evening scene – the island caters to a broad spectrum of tastes in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. From dancing the night away with live DJ sets at a beachfront club in Seminyak, to relaxing with a cocktail at a beachside lounge in Canggu or watching a traditional Balinese shadow puppet show in Ubud, Bali’s nightlife truly offers something for everyone.
Both Fiji and Bali are renowned as safe, family-friendly destinations – in both cultures, the people are famously gentle, warm and welcoming, with a deep love of children and a strong emphasis on generous hospitality.
Visitor safety in Fiji is taken very seriously, and locals frequently go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome and at ease. You’ll quickly learn to respond in kind to the happy shouts of ‘Bula!’ wherever you go.
Likewise in Bali, visitor safety is a top priority for the local authorities and the tourism industry. Be sure to obey traffic rules and exercise caution when renting scooters, as road conditions and traffic can be challenging.
While crime rates in Fiji and Bali are relatively low, as with any travel destination, it’s essential to exercise common-sense: safeguard your belongings, follow the advice of local authorities and heed safety guidelines for activities like hiking and adventure sports. Take care of your personal wellbeing by staying hydrated, using sunscreen, and respecting the local customs and traditions.
Bali’s dry season typically falls between April to October, when you’ll enjoy settled weather and abundant sunshine – just right for enjoying a mix of outdoor activities and beach outings. Peak tourist season, which runs from June to August, comes with lower humidity but also higher prices and larger crowds, so you may prefer to time your stay for the shoulder months of April and September can be great options.
Fiji experiences a similar dry season to Bali, spanning May to October. Warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine and lower humidity provide ideal conditions for outdoor activities, water sports, and exploring the pristine beaches and coral reefs.
However, the wonderful thing about tropical destinations is that the wet season (which is November to April for both Bali and Fiji) can be just as enjoyable, especially if you’re a fan of lush green landscapes and you enjoy the drama of a daily tropical downpour. The temperatures remain balmy, and you’ll benefit from off-season pricing and fewer visitors.
In the end, whether you choose Bali or Fiji for your next holiday, you’re guaranteed a remarkable and memorable experience. Both destinations offer stunning natural beauty, vibrant cultural experiences, and a wide array of activities and accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets. If you’re still feeling undecided, your personal travel manager can take you through all the options and help you design the tropical holiday that’s right for you.
We at Travel Managers Australia recognise the traditional owners of the country where we live and work. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of Indigenous people and their enduring cultures and connections to the land and waters of New South Wales.
